BREN; fixed line sight

[Peter Laidler]

Yes, I can see the point............

[Brit plumber]

I believe the sewn on buckles were brought in officially in 1941 and the riveted buckles were a retro mod for the existing 37 pttn case. However my example is sewn and is dated 1940 so they must have been producing them prior to acceptance in 41. So now I need to look out for a buckle less example. bugger.....

[smlemk111]

I have never seen one of these for sale, anybody have any idea what they sell for. Thanks Al

[Brit plumber]

You wouldnt get much change from £2000 ($3200US) at UK prices. However in the US, many have been found at very good prices as they were imported years back and not many people know what they are.

[Warren]

I believe there was three versions of the bino case in the 37 Pat. with the none buckle early one ending up being used for the FL sight. I'm trying to remember a conversation at the Pattern Room with Carl (Mr. Web) on this matter MANY years ago (before the big bang). Apparently the bino case on the belt was not a good idea and the buckles were added except for those designated for the FL sight. This might help to clear up some of the confusion on the cases. There was also some mention of the lining being thinner to allow for the wooden but old minds do grow dim.....

[Peter Laidler]

I remember being told by a National Service Bren gunner who fought in Korea, and who died recently, that they were taught the principles of fixed line firing from the Vickers MMG crews and had FLS's for their Brens in Korea to use at night. There MUST be some truth in this because it was he that told me that there was such a thing many years ago. Until that time, I never knew such beasts existed.

The trouble with such a notion is that there can't have been that many double dovetail Brens in Korea. A few from Canada, Australia and the UK. I can't imagine that anyone in their right mind would authorise the removal of the drum backsight to fit a FLS. It's not a thing that the average Bren gunner could do. Knife, fork and spoon...., yes. But a pair of pliers, screwdriver, brass drift and a hammer........ definately NO!

[Brit plumber]

3 of my DD's are Enfield Guns FTRd by Lithgow in the 1950s so is it possible that some of those FTR'd DDs found there way into the hands of Brit gunners.

[Peter Laidler]

Very probably in Korea when Ordnance stocks were pooled

[Mk VII]

One which I photographed at the weekend:-

Attachment 20929

---------- Post added at 09:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 PM ----------

Attachment 20928

[Kev G]

Any idea of the serial number on the FLS
Shame about the mixed up Bren :-(